International Congress on Controlled Environment Agriculture (ICCEA) Announces Next Event

Following the 2015 first-of-its-kind educational event focused on the science and techniques used in successfully operating a controlled environment agriculture facility, the Foundation for the Development of Controlled Environment Agriculture (FDCEA) announces they will once again host the International Congress on Controlled Environment Agriculture (ICCEA) in Panama City, Panama in May, 2017.

According to David Proenza, one of the FDCEA Founders and a pioneer of the vertical farming movement, he believes the time has come for greatly improving the technology and knowledge behind the way we grow and produce food crops. He states, “Growing parameters such as soil temperature, humidity, air temperature and flow, CO2 and nutrient distribution can be enhanced through the intelligent use of technology: hardware, software, wireless sensors, LED lighting and through ever-developing, disciplined science.” The end results are better quality; clean, nutritious and safer foods all derived from a protected environment and enhanced food production.

As a current “traditional” farmer of watermelons he goes on to say, “Traditional methods of agriculture are burdened by numerous obstacles and difficulties, most of which can be solved by growing through the use of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and by applying “Ag Tech” to either greenhouses or indoor, vertical farms.”

According to Chris Higgins, co-Founder of the FDCEA and owner of Urban Ag News, “The FDCEA has organized the ICCEA to inspire all interested parties to innovate and collaborate.”

The ICCEA 2017 is an event where attendees will have the opportunity to learn from renowned experts in the applied fields of science, agriculture, horticulture, lighting, robotics and (Ag) engineering. The FDCEA seeks to make CEA (whether greenhouse, vertical farm, or other) the answer to the future of agriculture with a primary focus on the creation of sustainable and profitable agriculture businesses.

The theme of ICCEA 2017 is “Using Science and the Market to Build a Successful Controlled Environment Agriculture Business”. It will be held on May 17, 18 and 19 in Panama City, Panama.

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Testimonials from ICCEA 2015

“Last year I participated in the ICCEA in Panama. At the venue I was astounded by the amount of knowledgeable and interesting people attending as well as presenting... The breaks also proved to be very valuable in discussing the presentations and business opportunities as well as the small exposition added extra value. A “must-go” next year, that is for sure."— Jan Westra, Strategic Business Developer, Priva

“For Heliospectra, the 2015 ICCEA event was really important from both the perspective of Heliospectra having the opportunity to share our knowledge with the audience and also from a networking point of view. We managed to connect with people and companies who later became key customers for us.”— Ruben Gonzalez, Online Sales & Marketing Associate, Heliospectra

“The ICCEA 2015 featured a wide range of leading academics with expertise in controlled environment agriculture as well as growers and industry leaders with practical experience growing crops indoors. I found the presentations and subsequent discussions to be informative and stimulating and hope to participate in the 2017 meeting.”—Dr. Erik Runkle, Professor/Floriculture Extension Specialist, Michigan State University

"It was a special privilege to participate in the 2015 ICCEA. The information presented during the 3 day event was cutting edge and diverse. An incredible lineup of international speakers covered topics ranging from robotics to financing new CEA businesses. Producers provided “how-to” information directly applicable to a variety of leafy crops. Researchers shared their latest discoveries and provided a glimpse into the future. The quality of the program was matched by the outstanding hospitality of our Panamanian hosts. Can’t wait for May, 2017!"— Dr. Don Wilkerson

“ICCEA 2015 was one of the best values for time and money I have experienced in my 40+ years in global horticulture. For an inaugural event that is almost unheard of. The venue, speakers, and program content were well above average which probably explains why there was such a diverse and relevant attendance making networking opportunities outstanding. I’m anxiously looking forward to ICCEA 2017!”— Ron Cramer, Project Development Manager | Xiant Technologies